2024 Lexus RX 350h: Quick review

The Lexus RX 350h, part of the esteemed Lexus RX lineup, carries the legacy of one of the brand's most successful models into the new era. With its shared DNA with Lexus's luxury lineage, it sets high benchmarks for performance, comfort and sophistication.

The RX 350h is a large hybrid SUV that arrived in its current generation in late 2022. It aims to satisfy the demands of those who seek a vehicle that excels in both daily practicality and luxury appeal, thereby elevating the standard for premium SUVs.

In the bustling luxury SUV market, the question arises: What makes the RX 350h a standout choice?

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Pricing and features

The Lexus RX 350h stands prominently in the segment with a starting price of $90,279 before on-road costs.

Underneath, the RX 350h is equipped with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder hybrid system, channeling 184kW to either the front or all four wheels, ensuring a blend of power and efficiency that's hard to match. A combined torque figure has not been made available.

The entry to the hybrid range– the Luxury– is available as a two wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) variant, while the more premium 350h Sports Luxury is AWD exclusive.

A key selling point of the 350h lies in its low fuel economy figures, with official figures suggesting consumption of 5L/100km for the 2WD model and 5.4L for the AWD option, a testament to Lexus's engineering prowess.

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Standard in the NX 350h Luxury you'll get:

An enhancement pack is available for the Luxury adds a panoramic moonroof, leather accented seats, wireless phone charger, ventilated front seats and more for roughly an extra $5000.

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Moving up to the Sports Luxury AWD variant adds:

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Safety

The RX 350 received a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, encompassing all its variants after undergoing evaluation in 2022.

In terms of adult occupant protection it achieved a score of 90%, while scoring 89% for child occupant protection and 89% for its safety assist systems.

The NX350 boasts an extensive array of safety features across its entire lineup, thanks to the inclusion of the Lexus Safety Sense package, ensuring thorough protection.

2024 Lexus RX Safety System features:

• 8 SRS airbags
• Automatic High Beam
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Alert
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Pre-Collision Safety System
• Road Sign Assist
• Parking Support Brake
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Safe Exit Assist
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• Driver Monitor Camera
• Tyre Pressure Warning System
• Rear Seat Reminder

Key rivals

The RX350 undercuts other luxury, and slightly pricier larger SUVs such as:

• BMW X5
• Audi Q7
• Mercedes-Benz GLE
• Volkswagen Touareg
• Volvo XC90

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

The RX350h doesn't automatically surpass competitors like the BMW X5, Audi Q7, or Mercedes-Benz GLE. However, for those less concerned with dynamic handling, opulent cabin aesthetics or speed, the RX presents a compelling proposition.

In fact, it fulfills the luxury SUV brief more effectively than many of its more aggressively-styled counterparts.

If you opt for the Enhancement Pack 1, the base RX350h offers almost everything you need at a reasonable price point.

Lexus's reputation for reliability makes the RX an appealing choice for long-term ownership, and the inclusion of the Encore Platinum subscription and impressive fuel efficiency only enhances its value proposition.

While it may not be flawless, the RX presents a logical choice for many buyers.